On raising a son on the autism spectrum, progressive politics, pop culture, and coffee addiction.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Dierks Bentley and NPR

Two great tastes that taste great together.

Click here to listen to Melissa Block's recent interview with Dierks Bentley on National Public Radio's All Things Considered. In it, Dierks talks about his latest single, "Home" - a song that pays tribute to the U.S., not by glossing over its troubles, but by acknowledging them. It's a song that reminds us that our country was founded on struggle and challenge, that patriotism should never be blind, and that what we have, despite flaws that can sometimes be overwhelming, is worth preserving, worth repairing, and worth celebrating.

Melissa Block contrasts the messages in "Home" with other songs in the genre, saying, "If you listen to a bunch of recent country songs about America, patriotic songs that came out, especially after 9/11, there was a lot of chest pounding, Jingoistic tone, us versus them."

Dierks responds, "I was trying to write a song that's just honest... That's where you find a real relief, real inspiration, real hope, real understanding of what's going on. I mean, it's easy to sell something to say 'We're number one!' It feels good, but it's not necessarily truthful or really helpful."

To me, the release of "Home" is well-timed as we head into another election season, because it's a reminder that being truly patriotic - being a REAL American - requires us to look at our own mistakes and missteps and misunderstandings, as we try to move forward - together - in a better direction.

1 comment:

I heard that interview and I thought of you. I agree that patriotism isn't about accepting without question. It is about loving a country that allows dissent and speech and moving forward. It's a good message to get out there.